Devices to help parents anonymously surrender an infant are spreading across the U.S.—stirring emotions, and debate
NATION
The dozens of people gaThered aT The fire sTaTion one June afternoon quieted when the battalion chief dressed in a heavy blue uniform approached the podium. He was there to bless the fire station’s new baby box, a temperature-controlled bassinet installed in the side of the building where parents could safely and anonymously surrender infants that they felt they could not care for. He led the crowd, sweltering in the 90°F heat, in praying over the box: the 18th in Alabama and 344th in the nation.
“Heavenly Father, we come before you to dedicate this safe haven,” he began. “We know that each and every child placed not only in this cradle, but similar cradles across the country, are children you formed in the womb, and we know that you have a special plan for all of them.” ...



